RAWALPINDI (The Thursday Times) — Pakistan’s security forces have successfully concluded Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-1 in Balochistan, the Inter-Services Public Relations said on Thursday, describing the campaign as a coordinated, fast-paced and intelligence-driven effort against Indian-backed terrorist networks operating in the province.
According to ISPR, the terrorist elements targeted during the operation were involved in attempts to undermine peace and development in Balochistan by deliberately attacking civilians, including women and children.
The operation began on January 29, 2026, following verified and credible intelligence indicating the presence of terrorist elements in the outskirts of Panjgur and Harnai districts, posing immediate and serious threats to the local population. Security forces struck terrorist hideouts in these areas, killing 41 militants linked to Indian proxy networks.
ISPR said subsequent efforts focused on thwarting broader attempts by hostile elements to spread instability across Balochistan. Intelligence-based operations were expanded to multiple locations, where sustained search, clearance and sanitisation actions dismantled terrorist sleeper cells and disrupted their operational reach.
The military said the operation was executed with a high degree of professionalism through close coordination between security forces, law-enforcement agencies and intelligence services. As a result of these actions and follow-up clearance operations, a total of 216 terrorists were neutralised, dealing a significant blow to their leadership, command and control structures and operational capabilities.
During the course of the operation, a large cache of foreign-manufactured weapons, ammunition, explosives and advanced equipment was recovered. Preliminary analysis indicates the involvement of organised external facilitation and logistical support for the terrorist networks.
ISPR said 36 innocent civilians, including women and children, lost their lives during the violence unleashed by the terrorists, while 22 personnel from the security forces and law-enforcement agencies were martyred while defending Pakistan’s borders and protecting civilians. Their courage, professionalism and sacrifice, the statement said, reflected the highest traditions of military service, with the nation standing in full solidarity with the families of the martyrs.
The armed forces reiterated their resolve to continue counter-terrorism operations under the National Action Plan until terrorism is eliminated in all its forms.
ISPR said Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-1 underscored Pakistan’s determination, and that of the people of Balochistan, to prioritise peace over violence, unity over division and development over terrorism.
